MSU license plate tops sales in Mich.

Patriotic theme 2nd; UM 3rd

7/6/2013

LANSING — Michigan State University’s license plate is the No. 1 specialty plate in Michigan, according to state records.

A half-million of the plates have been sold since they debuted in 2000 for the East Lansing school.

The University of Michigan in Ann Arbor’s license plate has drawn about 362,000 patrons, third place behind a patriotic plate that debuted after the Sept. 11 terror attacks.

Michigan State officials say the plate’s popularity likely stems from a large alumni base in Michigan.

“We pride ourselves on being the university for the state, so it’s definitely refreshing to hear we have the most popular one,” MSU spokesman Jason Cody said.

The secretary of state’s office for more than 12 years has offered specialty license plates that help raise funds for the state’s 15 public universities as well as several causes and nonprofit organizations.

The plate costs drivers $35 in addition to normal registration fees. Of that, $25 goes to the organization and $10 goes back to the state as a service fee.

Renewing the tags for the plates costs drivers $10 extra. That goes entirely to the benefiting organization.